By Rich Larson, News Director
Last week after news of the state budget surplus was released, State Representative Todd Lippert issued a strong statement looking for quick action on a Covid-19 relief package. Lippert said the state needs to act quickly on a bill that includes the extension of unemployment benefits, direct payments for struggling families, and support for small businesses. However, within the realm of Covid-19 Lippert has been working on additional legislation that is more specific.
Earlier this year, Lippert cosponsored a Farmer Lender Mediation bill with Republican State Senator Mike Goggin. Among the provisions in that bill was a moratorium on farm foreclosures until December 1st. With that date now passed, but the pandemic still upon us, Lippert said THAT legislation needs to be extended.
“We want to try to get them a little bit further down the road, closer to where a vaccine starts taking hold, the economy starts stabilizing, and they can meet in person with lenders and mediators to get the best deal if they’re facing foreclosure action. So, these conversations are heating up. We’re trying to get three more months of an extension, just to keep our finger on that pause button for foreclosure for farmers until the end of March.”
He also reminded people that the deadline to apply for the Minnesota Covid-19 Housing Assistance Program is tonight.
“If you are behind on your rent, or your mortgage, or utility payments, please apply for housing assistance. The deadline to apply is Monday night at 11:59pm. So, don’t hesitate to apply. It’s simple. You can call 211 to apply, or text mnhome to 898-211. But, know that the Minnesota Covid-19 Housing Assistance program is available.”
Lippert said there is bi-partisan support for a Covid-19 Relief package. And he was hopeful something could be passed during the special legislative session scheduled for next week.
School District to face budget shortfall
Not only does the state of Minnesota have a surprise budget surplus, but the Northfield public school district has one as well. After completing the books on the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the district found itself with just over $1 million dollars in surplus, instead of the $610,000 deficit that had been initially projected. But also like the state, the long-term financial projections are rather grim.
District Director of Finance Valori Mertesdorf said that the surplus was due to several factors. When the school buildings closed this past spring do the Covid 19 pandemic, all discretionary spending was frozen. The district paid its regular bills, but no other expenditures that were not tied directly to distance learning were allowed. Mertesdorf said the district saved a substantial amount of money on substitute teacher costs. She also said that they were able to save on transportation costs and utilities.
While the surplus is a nice surprise, Mertesdorf also said that the district is still facing some tough times. Much of the district’s funding is based on enrollment. Mertesdorf said that with 65 fewer students enrolled this year than anticipated, the district will receive about $650,000 less in 2021. Also, because every student is currently receiving free breakfast and lunch, fewer families are completing the Meal Benefit Application. That will equate to another half-million dollars in lost funding for the 2021-22 school year. And finally, Mertesdorf said she has long-term concerns about the Minnesota state budget. About 70% of the district’s funding comes from the state, she said, and the state is projecting a $1.2 Billion dollar deficit in 2021-2022.
Mertesdorf will present a revised budget at the School Board meeting on December 14. She said that she is currently projecting a deficit at the end of the current school year of nearly $2.9 million dollars.
City installs more Wi-Fi hotspots
And the City of Northfield has added several new Wi-Fi hotspots to help residents, businesses, and visitors access the city’s free wireless network more
reliably. A statement released on Friday afternoon said new hot spots were recently installed at the Northfield public library and at the ice arena, giving much more complete coverage to both buildings.
City IT Manager Kurt Wolf said the project is designed to help Northfield residents keep more connected during the pandemic, and to support tourism throughout Northfield.
More hot spots are planned for the Water Department Building and the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
